The Infiniti FX37 and FX50 become the 2014 Infiniti QX70, consolidated to a single model name with two trim designations: 3.7 and 5.0. Although confusing for many customers, the name change marks the only difference between the 2013 FX and 2014 QX70.

Available as the V6-powered QX70 3.7 and V8-powered QX70 5.0, these two SUVs hold particular appeal for those who desire the taller ride height and ground clearance of a proper SUV but without the substandard handling and so-so performance that often accompany those features. The QX70's cabin only enhances the allure. It is filled with all manner of tactile and electronic luxury touches, and a host of sophisticated driver's aids that practically drive the car for you.

Another feature that sets the QX70 apart from the rest of the luxury SUV crowd is its fluid styling. A far cry from the linear, boxy-formula defining SUVs from Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Lexus, the QX70 looks like nothing else on the road. Its squat body, prominent front fenders and enormous wheel and tire combination give it an almost coupelike feel, an attribute that provides strong visual appeal but also limits its rear-seat legroom and cargo area.

What's New for 2014?

Other than a name change, there are no major changes to the 2014 Infiniti QX70.

What We Like

What We Don't

Poor fuel economy; stiff ride; small rear seat; limited cargo space

How Much?

$45,945-$70,500

Fuel Economy

The QX70 3.7 is powered by a 3.7-liter V6 engine that generates 325 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. Power is abundant with this engine, although acceleration can feel slightly taxed when you add the weight of the all-wheel-drive system. The QX70 5.0 gets a 5.0-liter V8 good for 390 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. For pure performance and unhindered acceleration, this is the engine to have.

Fuel economy for the QX70 3.7 is rated at 17 miles per gallon city/24 mpg hwy; the all-wheel-drive model is rated even lower at 16 mpg city/22 mpg hwy. The V8-powered all-wheel-drive QX70 5.0 earns 14 mpg city/20 mpg hwy. Both models recommend but do not require premium fuel.

Standard Features & Options

The Infiniti QX70 for 2014 comes in two trims: 3.7 and 5.0. An advanced 7-speed automatic transmission with Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) and manual shift mode is standard. The ASC technology learns your driving habits and adapts to them, while the manual shift mode allows the driver to manually change gears, aided by a Downshift Rev Matching feature that blips the throttle before downshifts. The 3.7 is driven by its rear wheels, but all-wheel drive is available.

Standard features on the QX70 3.7 ($45,945) include a power rear lift gate, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, a rearview camera, Intelligent Key entry with push-button start, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, leather appointed seating, Bluetooth, a power sunroof, heated side mirrors, 60/40 split-folding and reclining rear seats, 18-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, an 8-way power driver's seat with power lumbar support and an 11-speaker Bose audio system with USB port/iPod interface.

The QX70 5.0 ($62,656) adds a V8 engine; standard all-wheel drive; a 360-degree Around View parking monitor; 21-in wheels; roof rails; quilted leather seating; a power tilting and telescoping steering wheel; memory for the driver's seat, mirrors and steering wheel position; maple trim; rear cargo cover; streaming Bluetooth audio; single in-dash CD/DVD player; front and rear parking sensors; heated and cooled front seats; and hard-drive-based navigation with SiriusXM NavTraffic and NavWeather. The 5.0's Advanced Climate Control system regulates not only temperature but also air purity. The system automatically shuts outside air vents when exhaust fumes are detected, injects negative ions into the cabin to create a sense of fresh air and uses ionization to reduce unwanted airborne particles.

Most of the 5.0's standard equipment can be added to the 3.7 by ordering the Premium package. Unique to the 5.0 is the Sport package, which includes active rear steering, electronically controlled dampener (suspension) settings, sport seats with power side bolsters and extendable thigh support, magnesium paddle shifters and adaptive front lighting.

For the safety of everyone on board, the Technology package offers a host of systems to help avoid an accident. Intelligent Cruise Control maintains a safe distance between you and the traffic ahead, while Distance Control Assist can apply the brakes and help maintain a safe distance in close-quarter city driving, sending audible and physical warnings to the driver when the QX70 is getting too close to the vehicle ahead of it. Lane Departure Warning and Prevention systems help keep you from drifting out of your lane.

The 2014 Infiniti QX70 did exceptionally well in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's offset and side-impact crash testing but was not tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Behind the Wheel

If you're lucky enough to test drive the 2014 Infiniti QX70 on a winding mountain road, you'll learn all you need to know about why this is the driving enthusiast's luxury SUV. The QX70's well-balanced chassis, tight turning radius and wide stance allow it to round curves that would have other SUVs teetering on their sidewalls. The 7-speed automatic's paddle shifters and automated rev matching work wonders, allowing us to circumvent the automatic's computer-controlled module that sometimes seems slow to downshift. Of course, our fully loaded QX70 5.0 included rear active steering, all-wheel drive, 21-in wheels and active damping. The ride in the QX70 3.7 may not feel as well heeled, but we guarantee it won't be boring either.

From the front seats forward, there is almost nothing bad to say about the QX70's cockpit. The seats are wide and supportive, not too firm yet far from squishy and covered in high-quality leather in black, beige or java brown. With the Deluxe Touring package, a set of climate-controlled seats replaces the stock set, complete with lovely quilted stitching that adds even more style to an already stylish setting.

Other Cars to Consider

BMW X5 -- The X5 delivers a similar exhilarating driving experience, but its handling is not as precise, and it costs a fair bit more when comparably equipped. On the flip side, the X5 has more overall cargo space than the QX70, and there is a diesel model.

Cadillac SRX -- The SRX emphasizes luxury over performance. Its interior is stunning and its ride noticeably softer than the Infiniti's, but it doesn't offer the option of a V8.

Lexus RX -- The RX can't match the QX70's performance credentials; however, its softer ride is probably more appealing to most luxury buyers, and it offers a larger cargo hold.

AutoTrader's Advice

If you're looking for the style and luxury of the QX70 but are not overly concerned with how quickly you can get from 0 to 60 miles per hour, the rear-wheel-drive 3.7 model with the Premium package is the perfect combination. Its smaller wheel and tire package helps give it a smoother ride, and the price and fuel economy are the most reasonable.

On the other hand, if it's a pure adrenaline rush you seek, the 5.0 is the clear choice. Just bring your checkbook and keep a lot of cash on hand for the extra gas, because this one doesn't sip the stuff.

This image is a stock photo and is not an exact representation of any vehicle offered for sale. Advertised vehicles of this model may have styling, trim levels, colors and optional equipment that differ from the stock photo.